Patents by Inventor Edwin C. Suarez
Edwin C. Suarez has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 12100579Abstract: Embodiments of process kits for use in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a process kit for use in a process chamber includes: a deposition ring including a first portion having an first inner ledge and a second portion having a second inner ledge, wherein in a first position, the first portion is spaced from the second portion, and wherein in a second position, the second portion is configured to engage the first portion so that the first inner ledge is aligned with the second inner ledge along a common plane to form a clamping surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Abhishek Chowdhury, Edwin C. Suarez, Harisha Sathyanarayana, Nataraj Bhaskar Rao, Siqing Lu
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Publication number: 20240240322Abstract: Embodiments of process chambers are provided herein. In some embodiments, a process chamber includes: a chamber body having a bottom plate, a lid, and sidewalls extending from the bottom plate to the lid, wherein one of the sidewalls includes a shutter recess, wherein the chamber body and the shutter recess define an interior volume of the process chamber; a substrate support for supporting a substrate disposed in the interior volume; a showerhead disposed in the interior volume opposite the substrate support; and a shutter cover having a shutter disk coupled to a shutter arm, wherein the shutter cover is disposed in the interior volume and rotatably coupled to the chamber body between a home position and a cover position, wherein in the home position, the shutter cover is at least partially disposed in the shutter recess, and wherein in the cover position, the shutter cover extends over the substrate support.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2023Publication date: July 18, 2024Inventors: Abhishek CHOWDHURY, Edwin C. SUAREZ, Xiaozhou CHE, Arun Chakravarthy CHAKRAVARTHY, Harisha SATHYANARAYANA, Nataraj BHASKAR RAO
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Patent number: 11996315Abstract: Embodiments of process kits for use in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a cover ring for use in a process chamber includes: an annular body that includes an upper surface and a lower surface, an inner lip extending radially inward and downward from the annular body, and a plurality of protrusions extending downward from the inner lip and disposed at regular intervals along the inner lip, wherein lowermost surfaces of the plurality of protrusions together define a planar substrate contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Abhishek Chowdhury, Harisha Sathyanarayana, Edwin C. Suarez, Siqing Lu, Nataraj Bhaskar Rao
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Publication number: 20240044002Abstract: A substrate handling system includes a fixed deposition ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches along an outer edge of the fixed deposition ring, the fixed deposition ring being electrically non-conductive; a moving deposition ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses formed on a lower surface of the moving deposition ring, the recesses configured to radially align with the notches of the fixed deposition ring, the moving deposition ring having an inner edge and an outer edge, the moving deposition ring being electrically non-conductive; and a plurality of electrically conductive grounding plates each having a base, an intermediate member, and a contact extending from the intermediate member and being spaced from the base, the intermediate members configured to be received in the recesses and extend between the inner edge and the outer edge of the moving deposition ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2022Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Abhishek CHOWDHURY, Nataraj BHASKAR RAO, Edwin C. SUAREZ, Harisha SATHYANARAYANA, Diego Ramiro PUENTE SOTOMAYOR, Qanit TAKMEEL, Mohammad Kamruzzaman CHOWDHURY, Arun Chakravarthy CHAKRAVARTHY
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Publication number: 20220339755Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a retaining ring for use in a polishing process. The retaining ring includes an annular body having an upper surface and a lower surface. An inner surface is connected to the upper surface and the lower surface. The inner surface includes one or more surfaces that are used to retain a substrate during processing. The one or more surfaces have an angle relative to a central axis of the retaining ring. The inner surface also includes a plurality of facets. Channels are disposed within the retaining ring to allow passage of a polishing fluid from an inner surface to an outer surface of the retaining ring disposed opposite of the inner surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Jeonghoon OH, Charles C. GARRETSON, Eric LAU, Andrew NAGENGAST, Steven M. ZUNIGA, Edwin C. SUAREZ, Huanbo ZHANG, Brian J. BROWN
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Patent number: 11400560Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a retaining ring for use in a polishing process. The retaining ring includes an annular body having an upper surface and a lower surface. An inner surface is connected to the upper surface and the lower surface. The inner surface includes one or more surfaces that are used to retain a substrate during processing. The one or more surfaces have an angle relative to a central axis of the retaining ring. The inner surface also includes a plurality of facets. Channels are disposed within the retaining ring to allow passage of a polishing fluid from an inner surface to an outer surface of the retaining ring disposed opposite of the inner surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Jeonghoon Oh, Charles C. Garretson, Eric Lau, Andrew Nagengast, Steven M. Zuniga, Edwin C. Suarez, Huanbo Zhang, Brian J. Brown
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Publication number: 20220157572Abstract: Embodiments of process kits for use in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a process kit for use in a process chamber includes: a deposition ring including a first portion having an first inner ledge and a second portion having a second inner ledge, wherein in a first position, the first portion is spaced from the second portion, and wherein in a second position, the second portion is configured to engage the first portion so that the first inner ledge is aligned with the second inner ledge along a common plane to form a clamping surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Abhishek CHOWDHURY, Edwin C. SUAREZ, Harisha SATHYANARAYANA, Nataraj BHASKAR RAO, Siqing LU
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Publication number: 20220157635Abstract: Embodiments of process kits for use in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a cover ring for use in a process chamber includes: an annular body that includes an upper surface and a lower surface, an inner lip extending radially inward and downward from the annular body, and a plurality of protrusions extending downward from the inner lip and disposed at regular intervals along the inner lip, wherein lowermost surfaces of the plurality of protrusions together define a planar substrate contact surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Abhishek CHOWDHURY, Harisha SATHYANARAYANA, Edwin C. SUAREZ, Siqing LU, Nataraj BHASKAR RAO
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Patent number: 10796922Abstract: In an embodiment, a plasma source includes a first electrode, configured for transfer of one or more plasma source gases through first perforations therein; an insulator, disposed in contact with the first electrode about a periphery of the first electrode; and a second electrode, disposed with a periphery of the second electrode against the insulator such that the first and second electrodes and the insulator define a plasma generation cavity. The second electrode is configured for movement of plasma products from the plasma generation cavity therethrough toward a process chamber. A power supply provides electrical power across the first and second electrodes to ignite a plasma with the one or more plasma source gases in the plasma generation cavity to produce the plasma products. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the insulator includes a port that provides an optical signal from the plasma.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Soonam Park, Yufei Zhu, Edwin C. Suarez, Nitin K. Ingle, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Jiayin Huang
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Patent number: 10707061Abstract: A method of conditioning internal surfaces of a plasma source includes flowing first source gases into a plasma generation cavity of the plasma source that is enclosed at least in part by the internal surfaces. Upon transmitting power into the plasma generation cavity, the first source gases ignite to form a first plasma, producing first plasma products, portions of which adhere to the internal surfaces. The method further includes flowing the first plasma products out of the plasma generation cavity toward a process chamber where a workpiece is processed by the first plasma products, flowing second source gases into the plasma generation cavity. Upon transmitting power into the plasma generation cavity, the second source gases ignite to form a second plasma, producing second plasma products that at least partially remove the portions of the first plasma products from the internal surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Soonam Park, Yufei Zhu, Edwin C. Suarez, Nitin K. Ingle, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Jiayin Huang
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Patent number: 10610994Abstract: A polishing module includes a chuck having a substrate receiving surface and a perimeter, and one or more polishing pad assemblies positioned about the perimeter of the chuck, wherein each of the one or more polishing pad assemblies are coupled to an actuator that provides movement of the respective polishing pad assemblies in a sweep direction, a radial direction, and a oscillating mode relative to the substrate receiving surface and are limited in radial movement to about less than one-half of the radius of the chuck as measured from the perimeter of the chuck.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Eric Lau, Hui Chen, King Yi Heung, Chih Chung Chou, Edwin C. Suarez, Garrett Ho Yee Sin, Charles C. Garretson, Jeonghoon Oh
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Patent number: 10593523Abstract: A method of conditioning internal surfaces of a plasma source includes flowing first source gases into a plasma generation cavity of the plasma source that is enclosed at least in part by the internal surfaces. Upon transmitting power into the plasma generation cavity, the first source gases ignite to form a first plasma, producing first plasma products, portions of which adhere to the internal surfaces. The method further includes flowing the first plasma products out of the plasma generation cavity toward a process chamber where a workpiece is processed by the first plasma products, flowing second source gases into the plasma generation cavity. Upon transmitting power into the plasma generation cavity, the second source gases ignite to form a second plasma, producing second plasma products that at least partially remove the portions of the first plasma products from the internal surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Soonam Park, Yufei Zhu, Edwin C. Suarez, Nitin K. Ingle, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Jiayin Huang
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Patent number: 10589399Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing system includes a substrate support configured to hold a substrate, a polishing pad assembly include a membrane and a polishing pad portion having a polishing surface, a polishing pad carrier, and a drive system configured to cause relative motion between the substrate support and the polishing pad carrier. The polishing pad portion is joined to the membrane on a side opposite the polishing surface. The polishing surface has a width parallel to the polishing surface at least four times smaller than a diameter of the substrate. An outer surface of the polishing pad portion includes at least one recess and at least one plateau having a top surface that provides the polishing surface. The polishing surface has a plurality of edges defined by intersections between side walls of the at least one recess and a top surface of the at least one plateau.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Jeonghoon Oh, Edwin C. Suarez, Jason Garcheung Fung, Eric Lau, King Yi Heung, Ashwin Murugappan Chockalingam, Daniel Redfield, Charles C. Garretson, Thomas H. Osterheld
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Publication number: 20200058516Abstract: In an embodiment, a plasma source includes a first electrode, configured for transfer of one or more plasma source gases through first perforations therein; an insulator, disposed in contact with the first electrode about a periphery of the first electrode; and a second electrode, disposed with a periphery of the second electrode against the insulator such that the first and second electrodes and the insulator define a plasma generation cavity. The second electrode is configured for movement of plasma products from the plasma generation cavity therethrough toward a process chamber. A power supply provides electrical power across the first and second electrodes to ignite a plasma with the one or more plasma source gases in the plasma generation cavity to produce the plasma products. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the insulator includes a port that provides an optical signal from the plasma.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Soonam Park, Yufei Zhu, Edwin C. Suarez, Nitin K. Ingle, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Jiayin Huang
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Patent number: 10490418Abstract: In an embodiment, a plasma source includes a first electrode, configured for transfer of one or more plasma source gases through first perforations therein; an insulator, disposed in contact with the first electrode about a periphery of the first electrode; and a second electrode, disposed with a periphery of the second electrode against the insulator such that the first and second electrodes and the insulator define a plasma generation cavity. The second electrode is configured for movement of plasma products from the plasma generation cavity therethrough toward a process chamber. A power supply provides electrical power across the first and second electrodes to ignite a plasma with the one or more plasma source gases in the plasma generation cavity to produce the plasma products. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the insulator includes a port that provides an optical signal from the plasma.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Soonam Park, Yufei Zhu, Edwin C. Suarez, Nitin K. Ingle, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Jiayin Huang
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Patent number: 10434623Abstract: A polishing module including a chuck having a substrate receiving surface and a perimeter, and one or more polishing pad assemblies positioned about the perimeter of the chuck, wherein each of the one or more polishing pad assemblies are coupled to an actuator that provides movement of the respective polishing pad assemblies in one or more of a sweep direction, a radial direction, and a oscillating mode relative to the substrate receiving surface and are limited in radial movement to about less than one-half of the radius of the chuck as measured from the perimeter of the chuck.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Eric Lau, Hui Chen, King Yi Heung, Wei-Cheng Lee, Chih Chung Chou, Edwin C. Suarez, Garrett Ho Yee Sin, Charles C. Garretson, Jeonghoon Oh
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Publication number: 20190099857Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a retaining ring for use in a polishing process. The retaining ring includes an annular body having an upper surface and a lower surface. An inner surface is connected to the upper surface and the lower surface. The inner surface includes one or more surfaces that are used to retain a substrate during processing. The one or more surfaces have an angle relative to a central axis of the retaining ring. The inner surface also includes a plurality of facets. Channels are disposed within the retaining ring to allow passage of a polishing fluid from an inner surface to an outer surface of the retaining ring disposed opposite of the inner surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Jeonghoon OH, Charles C. GARRETSON, Eric LAU, Andrew NAGENGAST, Steven M. ZUNIGA, Edwin C. SUAREZ, Huanbo ZHANG, Brian J. BROWN
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Publication number: 20180337024Abstract: Exemplary semiconductor processing systems may include a processing chamber, and may include a remote plasma unit coupled with the processing chamber. Exemplary systems may also include an adapter coupled with the remote plasma unit. The adapter may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The adapter may define an opening to a central channel at the first end, and the central channel may be characterized by a first cross-sectional surface area. The adapter may define an exit from a second channel at the second end, and the adapter may define a transition between the central channel and the second channel within the adapter between the first end and the second end. The adapter may define a third channel between the transition and the second end of the adapter, and the third channel may be fluidly isolated from the central channel and the second channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Tien Fak Tan, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Soonwook Jung, Soonam Park, Raymond W. Lu, Phong Pham, Edwin C. Suarez
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Publication number: 20180240654Abstract: In an embodiment, a plasma source includes a first electrode, configured for transfer of one or more plasma source gases through first perforations therein; an insulator, disposed in contact with the first electrode about a periphery of the first electrode; and a second electrode, disposed with a periphery of the second electrode against the insulator such that the first and second electrodes and the insulator define a plasma generation cavity. The second electrode is configured for movement of plasma products from the plasma generation cavity therethrough toward a process chamber. A power supply provides electrical power across the first and second electrodes to ignite a plasma with the one or more plasma source gases in the plasma generation cavity to produce the plasma products. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the insulator includes a port that provides an optical signal from the plasma.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Soonam Park, Yufei Zhu, Edwin C. Suarez, Nitin K. Ingle, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Jiayin Huang
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Patent number: D1038049Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Abhishek Chowdhury, Harisha Sathyanarayana, Edwin C. Suarez, Siqing Lu, Nataraj Bhaskar Rao